S.M. Soto

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is S.M. Soto and I’m from the sunshine state of California. I’m a single mother to a beautiful, wild little boy and I’m a helpless romantic at heart. I currently have four finished novels, two are currently under contracts with Publishers, and the other two are currently searching for a home with other Publishers.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Darkest Hour is my debut novel and the first in the San Diegan Series, a series of Standalone novels. I’ve always had a passion for reading and writing, so this story just sort of came to me one day, and slowly I started building on it. After a while, it felt like the characters in my book were screaming their story at me and I knew I had to share their hardships with my readers.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can’t write without chocolate or at least a couple of Oreo’s.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many have influenced me but I’d say my all time favorites are: V.C. Andrew’s, Sylvia Day, Colleen Hoover, Nicholas Sparks, etc.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently at work on Damaged, book 3 in The San Diegan Series which is Samantha and Alex’s story.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly, I find it’s easier for me when I go through a PR company. I’m not tech savvy AT ALL, and sometimes, I feel like I’m an idiot on social media so I try to have professionals help me instead of trying to do everything myself.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never. Give. Up. I can’t stress that enough.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My creative writing teacher once told me to write like there’s no tomorrow. It sounds cliche, but it actually helps. Some days when I’m lazy and don’t feel like writing, I stop and think of her words.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading This is War by Kennedy Fox

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep building my fan base and keep writing stories that readers can fall in love with.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Such an impossible question BUT I will say one of my favorite books is Corrupt by Penelope Douglas